Firearm Safety and Theft Deterrent Device

ABSTRACT

A firearm safety and theft deterrent device is presented, which is firearm model-specific for a customized fit, and maintains a low profile in relation to the firearm. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device secures the trigger guard of the firearm, eliminating potential activation of the trigger, preventing accidental discharge, and rendering the firearm useless during a theft. A fitting system is designed as part of the device, and a hinge mechanism permits the two sides to open and close easily. A tether well contained within the device allows for the addition of a tether. The device has a cutout at the back which permits a close fit with the firearm and allows users to securely grip the firearm in one hand while installing or removing the device. Additionally, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device has a protective finish to prevent wear and tear on the firearm.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This Non-Provisional application claims under 35 U.S.C. §120, the benefit of priority to the Provisional Application 62/177,085, filed Mar. 5, 2015, and Titled “Firearm Safety and Theft Deterrent Device” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

BACKGROUND

Firearm safety is of utmost importance to owners and users of firearms. Theft deterrence and unauthorized use is not only a concern for the owner of the firearm, but is also a critical part of firearm safety—if the firearm is stolen, there are no longer any assurances of safe use. Together, those two issues comprise a large portion of the obligations required from a responsible firearm owner or user. In fact, the federal government, multiple states, and many towns and cities have enacted laws requiring the use of firearm safety and theft deterrent devices in certain situations.

Because of the importance that society places on firearm safety, there are many types of devices that are designed for use as firearm safety and theft deterrent devices. There are three broad categories of conventional firearm safety and theft deterrent devices. One category is cable locks, which work by inserting and locking a thick steel cable through the action of the firearm, which prevents use of the firearm. A second category is trigger locks, which work by connecting and locking one piece of the lock with a post to the second piece, which presumably prevents access to the trigger, thus preventing use of the firearm. The last category of firearm safety and theft deterrent devices is locking storage containers, such as but not limited to gun safes, gun cases, or lock boxes. These containers are designed for storage of a firearm, and in some cases, also designed for transporting firearms. They prevent access to the firearm as long as the locking storage container is inaccessible by anyone other than an authorized user and/or the locking storage container remains in the possession of an authorized user. All three categories of conventional firearm safety and theft deterrent devices are designed to be a one-size-fits-most solution, so the firearm safety and theft deterrent devices are easy to obtain and use with different firearms, but each firearm safety and theft deterrent device will fit differently and have different levels of effectiveness based on which specific firearm they are used to secure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by referencing the detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exterior view of a firearm with an attached and locked firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an interior view of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device associated with a firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a firearm safety and theft deterrent device associated with a firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the elements of a firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device with an associated tether consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device with an attached tether consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of a firearm with an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view of a firearm with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm, closed and locked consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a firearm with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm and closed and locked consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “firearm” refers to any handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other gun intended to be handheld and to fire bullets, shells, dumdums, or any other self-contained ammunition that may be placed in the firearm to propel an element of the ammunition through a hollow barrel and toward an intended target.

The term “trigger guard” refers to a part of a firearm that encircles the trigger of the firearm in such a way that makes an accidental discharge less likely, usually found in a circular or square shape underneath the barrel of the firearm.

The term “engagement element” refers to the locking mechanism that provides a secure, locked attachment of the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. The engagement element may consist of a lock requiring a key, a push button, a biometric sensor, a lock having a dial, a lock having button access keys, piezoelectric sensors, touch sensitive membranes, or any other device that may be utilized as a trigger to disengage the locking bar of the engagement element so as to detach the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device and permit removal by a user.

Firearm safety and theft deterrence is a tremendously important part, if not the most important part, of owning and using firearms responsibly. There are myriad types of firearms available to the civilian consumer in categories as diverse as handguns, shotguns, rifles, and other firearm types. However, even within these broad categories, manufacturers make many different models of firearms, most with slightly different features or shapes, which result in thousands of different models of firearms that are available for use or purchase.

Because of the sheer quantity of firearms with variable features, most conventional firearm safety and theft deterrent devices have thus far been designed to be one-size-fits-most solutions, or designed to fit a number of different models of firearms within a broad category, such as, in a non-limiting example, handguns, or shotguns. As a result, the fit of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device will vary based on the model and type of firearm, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and any other handheld firearm. In some cases, due to the non-specific fit of conventional firearm safety and theft deterrent devices, tamper protection is limited and user safety is compromised during installation, removal, and use because of the possibility of device movement and coincidental trigger contact by the device. This movement could result in accidental or inadvertent discharge of the firearm.

Another limitation presented by non-specific firearm safety and theft deterrent device fitment is the inability of the user to gain full purchase, and therefore full control, over the firearm during device installation and removal. Many conventional devices occupy a portion of the area used to grip the firearm and are comprised of multiple separate pieces, preventing optimal grip and control and in some cases requiring both of the users hands for installation and removal.

Another result of the one-size-fits-most designs of firearm safety and theft deterrent devices is that specialized accessories and attachments for the firearm are usually incompatible with the firearm safety and theft deterrent device, so in order for the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to be used, the specialized accessories and attachments for the firearm must be removed.

Finally, many of the existing firearm safety and theft deterrent devices designed to physically secure the firearm in a fixed location as the method of theft deterrence do not provide adequate protection against accidental activation of the firearm and most of them are large, heavy, and not portable in design, which limits accessibility. For these reasons, and more not enumerated in this document, it would be advantageous to have a firearm safety and theft deterrent device with firearm model-specific characteristics and a low-profile physical presence. This firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be used over the trigger guard of the firearm, and would also have a positioning system to ensure and confirm a tight fit with the trigger guard of the firearm, while also having a scalloped rear edge next to the handle of the firearm which curves upward. This scalloped rear edge does not interfere with the hold of the firearm and allows the user to maintain a secure grip on the firearm while locking or unlocking, installing or removing, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device.

The instant disclosure is a firearm safety and theft deterrent device, which may have a firearm model-specific fit to a particular model of firearm. The model-specific fit of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be accomplished in part by the use of indexing features, which can ensure a secure fit with the firearm. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device will have a low profile in relation to the firearm and is the approximate geometry of the trigger guard, which may allow the use of other accessories for the firearm concurrently with use of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device is configured as a one-piece hinged design to permit the operation of the device with one hand, both attachment to a firearm and detachment from a firearm, while the firearm is held securely.

The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may use a hinge mechanism to allow the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to connect, and which will conform to the shape of the firearm when the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device are in contact. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may have an auto-locking mechanism that permits a “click-on” attachment such that no positive action outside of the closing of the mechanism is required to install the firearm safety and theft deterrent device on a firearm. Additionally, a spring may be an element of the locking mechanism providing positive spring compression to assist with device removal. The positive spring compression provides additional force to release one side of the device from another side of the device, minimizing the effort necessary to remove the firearm safety and theft deterrent device from a firearm.

The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may have a tether well, in which an optional tether can be inserted or detached, configured such that when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is installed on a firearm and closed the tether is securely retained within the tether well. One end of the tether may be manufactured to conform to the size and shape of the tether well with sufficiently close tolerance that the adaptive end is held in position in the tether well by the positive friction between the adaptive end and the tether well whether the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is open or closed. Additionally, the tether well may incorporate a magnet or magnetic material inserted within the tether well, that may help to hold the tether in place during installation and removal. The magnetic material insures that the tether, which is essentially a flexible piece of wire rope with a metal end, would not slip out of the tether well during installation or removal.

The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may have a scalloped rear edge that curves up along the trigger guard and stops at the handle of the firearm. This scalloped rear edge does not interfere with a user's hold on the firearm, which can allow the user to securely grip and control the firearm while locking or unlocking, installing or removing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device simultaneously.

The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may have a design that prevents the possibility of the trigger being activated inadvertently during installation and removal by a user. The design and spacing of indexing features provide a positive fit for the firearm safety and theft deterrent device when placed in contact with the trigger guard or trigger area. The indexing features prevent the firearm safety and theft deterrent device from shifting or moving from the installed position on a firearm, restraining the trigger from any movement that might cause a discharge of the firearm to which the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is attached. The indexing features also provide a guide to ensure proper installation of the device on a firearm, prevent movement of the device when installed, and reduce the possibility of misalignment with the trigger area of a firearm.

These features of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may provide the user with a device that ensures a secure fit with the firearm to reduce the likelihood of tampering, has a low-profile physical presence which allows for concurrent use of other firearm accessories, allows for the safe hold of the firearm while simultaneously locking or unlocking, installing or removing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device, has an optional means of physically securing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device in one location via a removable tether, and enhances safety by reducing the risk of inadvertent trigger contact and thus potential discharge while installing or removing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be composed of steel, aluminum, high-strength plastic, or any other material sufficiently rigid and strong enough to prevent the defeat of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device, and provide long-term durability. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device may include a friction-enhancing protective surface coating which may further reduce the possibility of device movement while additionally protecting both the firearm and the firearm safety and theft deterrent device from cosmetic damage. Each firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be designed and manufactured to accommodate the specific geometry of a particular model of firearm the user wishes to secure. In a non-limiting example, a positioning system may be used to ensure the firearm safety and theft deterrent device has a tight fit with the trigger guard or other specific section of a firearm. The secure fit may prevent tampering that would allow an unauthorized user to gain access to the firearm. This positioning system may involve the use of indexing features that will secure the firearm safety and theft deterrent device in a specific location, encirclement of the interior or exterior of the trigger guard or other specific portion of a firearm, or any other system that allows the user to attach the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to the firearm in a specific manner to prevent access to a trigger, and which assures the user that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is securely and properly attached to the firearm. In a non-limiting example, where the section of the firearm to which the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is attached is the trigger guard, the positioning system of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may use indexing features which fit tightly against the interior of the trigger guard and the frame of the firearm of the specific model of firearm. This customized fit ensures that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device can only be installed and locked when the device is in the correct position with respect to the trigger guard and frame of the firearm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be one piece with two distinct sides connected by a hinge mechanism. This hinge mechanism may operate without a pin, with a pin, or by any other manner which allows the two distinct sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to open and close while remaining physically connected in the same location. This hinge mechanism will be designed in such a manner that allows for long-term durability of the hinge, which allows for consistent performance regardless of the number of uses, and may conform to the shape of the firearm. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge mechanism may have a curved appearance so as to reduce the available flat areas for the insertion of a tool to defeat and remove the firearm safety and theft deterrent device.

Also in an embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may have a tether well built into one or both of the interior sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device configured such that when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is installed on a firearm and closed a tether may be securely retained within the device. The tether well permits the tether to be inserted and detached at will by the user according to the needs of the user. In a non-limiting example, this tether well may permit the user to insert a tether which may be used to physically secure the firearm in a specific or fixed location when necessary, and which allows the user to remove the tether when the user or owner wants to move the firearm to another location.

The firearm safety and theft deterrent device, in an embodiment, may have a scalloped rear edge that allows the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to conform to the geometry of the firearm frame and trigger guard while allowing the user to maintain a secure grip on the firearm handle at the same time that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is being installed, being removed, or is fixed in place. The scalloped rear edge may be a standard design for model-specific firearm safety and theft deterrent devices, it may be custom designed based on the needs of the user, or it may be designed in any other manner such that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device remains securely aligned with the trigger guard and body of the firearm while still allowing the user to securely grip the firearm with the firearm safety and theft deterrent device in place. The scalloped rear edge may allow the user to grip the firearm securely with one hand while simultaneously locking or unlocking, installing or removing, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device with the other hand.

When using the firearm safety and theft deterrent device after dark, or in low light conditions, it may be difficult to locate the engagement element, such as, in a non-limiting example a key hole, in the dark in order to unlock and remove the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the key hole may incorporate a tritium insert, electroluminescent paint, or some other means of visual indication (utilizing a material that glows in the dark) into the engagement element or surrounding area to help a user locate the key hole in the dark. Incorporation of a material that is luminescent in dark or low light conditions permits a more rapid and consistent unlocking of the device in such conditions. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the engagement element or surrounding area, whether a key hole for the insertion of a key, a push button element, or any other engagement element, may have a raised portion that provides a tactile guide for the proper positioning of a key or the proper insertion orientation of any engagement element for use in low light or adverse conditions where visibility is poor but a tactile position verification is possible.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user wishes to transport his firearm from one location to another and physically secure the firearm in a specific location. Once the user has finished using the firearm, the user will retrieve the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. This firearm safety and theft deterrent device has been designed and manufactured to fit the particular model of firearm the user owns. The user places the firearm safety and theft deterrent device next to the trigger guard of the firearm. The user additionally places a tether into the tether well of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. In an exemplary embodiment, the tether well may be machined to a very close tolerance in relation to an end of the tether so as to hold the end of the tether in the tether well through positive friction, or a magnetic material may form a portion of the tether well to permit the tether to be held in place while the user secures the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. The user then closes the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device, which fits securely around the trigger guard and has indexing features that permit the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to be closed only when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is properly positioned upon the firearm. The user then closes and locks the firearm safety and theft deterrent device in place. The firearm is now safely secured—the trigger cannot be activated.

Once the user reaches the specific location he wishes to physically secure the firearm, he may use the tether as part of securing the firearm in a specific location, adding additional protection against theft, and providing an additional level of safety. When the user then desires to remove the firearm from its physical location and wishes to take the firearm safety and theft deterrent device off of the firearm, the user may fully grip the firearm in his hand, due to the scalloped rear edge of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device which permits the firearm to be securely grasped with one hand, and then while gripping the firearm in one hand, he may unlock, or otherwise disengage, and remove the firearm safety and theft deterrent device with his other hand. The user may then remove the tether from the tether well or leave it in the tether well for the next use of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the associated drawings.

Turning now to FIG. 1, this diagram presents a firearm with an attached and locked firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. A firearm 100 is presented with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 attached and locked to the firearm. In a non-limiting example, the firearm may be a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon that is available to consumers for personal protection or recreation. In this exemplary view the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 is positioned on the trigger guard 108 such that the trigger may not be engaged. The trigger guard 108 may be defined by the volume bounded by the front of the trigger guard, the bottom of the trigger guard, the approximate width of the firearm, and the frame of the firearm. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 provides a configuration that fits within the approximate geometry of the trigger guard 108. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 may also have a firearm model-specific fit, shape, and indexing features to provide greater tamper resistance by eliminating access to the trigger guard cavity and reducing pry points. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 may also have a scalloped finger contour 112 at the portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 that is closest to the handgrip 116 of the firearm 100. The scalloped finger contour 112 permits a full grip on the handgrip 116 while the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 is attached, installed, or removed from the firearm 100.

In this exemplary embodiment, the frame of the firearm 100 may form a part of securing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 in a position that prevents any rearward motion of the trigger. Proper orientation and location of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 is aided by the indexing features. The engagement element 120 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 is inserted in a position to limit potential contact with the trigger. With the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 attached to the firearm 100, the trigger is restrained from rearward motion providing a secure restraint on use of the firearm 100. In an additional embodiment, the front edge 124 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104 is positioned such that additional firearm accessories may be installed in front of the trigger guard 108 with no interference from the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 104.

Turning now to FIG. 2, this is an interior view of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device associated with a firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, a firearm 200 is outfitted with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204. In this embodiment the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is presented in an open position. In this embodiment, an engagement element 206 is inserted in front of a trigger to provide a means of securing the two halves of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 in a closed and locked position. A front index feature 208 element within the interior of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is positioned such that the front index feature 208 is in physical contact with the interior front portion of a trigger guard 210, securely positioning the front portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 in relation to the firearm 200. A rear index feature 212 element within the interior of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is in physical contact with the interior rear portion of a trigger guard 210, securely positioning the rear portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 in relation to the firearm 200. The bottom edge of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 contains a hinge 214 for a smooth open and close action when attaching and detaching the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204. The bottom portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is also positioned such that it is in contact with a bottom portion of the trigger guard 210. The top portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is positioned such that the firearm 200 frames the top portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 when attached to the firearm 200. In this manner, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is indexed to fit a firearm 200 with front, back, top and bottom portions that are designed to fit the contact points of a trigger guard and the frame of the firearm 200. These indexing features provide a customized fit to secure the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 against movement, resist tampering with the device, and reduce the possibility that the trigger 207 can move rearward when secured with the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204.

In this embodiment, an additional feature for securing the firearm 200 is present in the form of a tether 220. The tether 220 may be attached to the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 on one end, and securely attached to an object that is difficult to move or displace on the other end, thus preventing the firearm 200 from being removed from the location in which it is tethered. The tether 220 may be integrated into the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 through the insertion of the tether end 222 into a tether well (not shown) such that the tether 220 is locked into a physical relationship with the firearm 200 to prevent the movement of the firearm 200 any distance further than the tether 220 will permit. The tether 220 is detachable from the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is opened, and locked into position when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 204 is closed and locked onto the firearm 200.

Turning now to FIG. 3, this is an exploded view of a firearm safety and theft deterrent device associated with a firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 may be attached to a firearm 300. In this exemplary embodiment, the engagement element 306 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be a locking bar having cylindrical, square, or any other shape which permits the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to fit securely together while allowing the engagement element 306 to operate properly. In operation, the engagement element 306 may have a threaded side or sides 310 onto which a threaded nut 312 may be placed to secure the engagement element 306 within the housing of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304. The engagement element 306 may also have a tongue 314 that retracts when a locking mechanism, such as, in a non-limiting example a key, is inserted and turned in the proper direction, but is spring loaded such that it returns to and is held in the extended position when the engagement element 306 is not in place or in use. The tongue 314 may also retract into the engagement element 306 when sufficient pressure is placed against the sloped side of the tongue 314, such as when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 performs a closing action and the tongue 314 is inserted into a channel on the side of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 that serves as a latching well (not shown) for the tongue 314.

In this exemplary embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 may have a hinge portion 316 at the bottom section of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304. The hinge portion 316 may be secured in place through the use of a hinge pin 318, spring (not shown), or any other hinge attachment device known in the art. The hinge portion 316 is operative to permit the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 to open and close through the use of the hinge portion 316 as the pivot point. In a non-limiting example, when a user disengages the engagement element 306, the tongue 314 retracts into the engagement element 306 and the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 is operative to swing open as the sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 rotate about the hinge portion 316. In this fashion, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 may be opened and closed repeatedly to alternately secure the firearm 300, or to permit the operation of the firearm 300.

In this exemplary embodiment, to permit additional security the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 may be secured to a tether 320. The firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 is configured with a tether well 322 which is a space inside the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 that is specifically configured for the insertion of an adaptive end 324 of the tether 320. When the adaptive end 324 of the tether 320 is inserted into the tether well 322 and the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 is installed, closed and locked, the adaptive end 324 of the tether 320 holds the firearm in the physical location preferred by the owner or user.

In this embodiment, a front indexing feature 326 is formed at the front portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304, and positioned such that the front indexing feature 326 is completely enclosed within the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 when closed. The front indexing feature 326 is positioned to conform to the front portion of a trigger guard 328 such that the front indexing feature 326 is in contact with the interior of the trigger guard 328 when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 is secured to the firearm 300. With the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 installed, closed and locked, and the tether 320 attached to both the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 304 and a substantially immovable object, the owner of the firearm 300 may be reasonably certain that the firearm 300 may not be used without authorization, or removed from the location in which the owner placed the firearm 300.

Turning now to FIG. 4, this diagram is an exploded view of the elements of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the engagement element 400 may form the central portion of the interior of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. The engagement element 400 may secure the connection between the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device when the device is closed, and prevents the removal of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device when the engagement element 400 is locked and secured. The engagement element 400 may be cylindrical, square, or any other shape which permits the two sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to fit securely together. The engagement element 400 may also lock into a position that is only released by a positive action of a user. To disengage the engagement element 400 and unlock the firearm safety and theft deterrent device, a user must perform an action such as inserting and turning a key, pressing a push button, engaging a biometric sensor, or any other action to release the engagement element 400 from the locked position.

In a non-limiting example of one mode of operation, the engagement element 400 may have a threaded side or sides 404 onto which a threaded nut 406 may be placed to secure the engagement element 400 within the housing of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device. The engagement element 400 may also have a tongue 408 that retracts when an unlock action by the user is performed to disengage the locking tongue. The locking tongue may be spring-loaded such that it returns to and is held in the extended position when the unlock action has not been performed. The tongue 408 may also retract into the engagement element 400 when sufficient pressure is placed against the sloped side of the tongue 408, such as when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is closed and the tongue 408 is inserted into a channel on the non-lock side of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device that serves as a latching well 410 for the tongue 408.

In this exemplary embodiment, a fixed exterior wall 412 and an opening exterior wall 414 form the enclosure of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device when closed together. The fixed exterior wall 412 may have one, two or more indexing features for use in aligning and securing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device to a firearm. In a non-limiting example, a front indexing feature 416 may be positioned at the front portion of the fixed exterior wall 412 and be a seamless portion of the interior of the fixed exterior wall 412. Additionally, a rear indexing feature 418 may be positioned at the back portion of the fixed exterior wall 412 and be a seamless portion of the interior of the fixed exterior wall 412. In this non-limiting example, the top edge of the fixed exterior wall 420 and the top edge of the opening exterior wall 422 may be shaped to conform to the contours of a firearm.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed exterior wall 412 and the opening exterior wall 414 may be joined through a hinge channel 424. A hinge pin 426 may be inserted through the hinge channel 424 to permit the fixed exterior wall 412 and the opening exterior wall 414 to open and close together by rotating around the hinge pin 426. In an alternative embodiment, the hinge element may be formed using a spring hinge 428, a hinge having a pin, or any other method of forming a hinge known in the art. In a non-limiting example, a hinge element using a spring hinge 428 may facilitate the easy removal of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device with one hand by assisting the opening action of the two sides. When the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is closed, one or more cushioning bodies 438 provide a cushion between the firearm safety and theft deterrent device and the trigger guard to prevent damage to the trigger guard of the firearm and assist in securing a tight fit for the firearm safety and theft deterrent device.

In this exemplary embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device may be attached to a tether 430 by the insertion of an adaptive end 432 that is machined to conform to a tether well 434. The adaptive end 432 of the tether may be manufactured to conform to the size and shape of the tether well 434 with sufficiently close tolerance that the adaptive end 432 is held in position in the tether well 434 by the positive friction between the adaptive end 432 and the tether well 434. The tether well 434 may be machined, or otherwise formed, into the inside surface of either the fixed or opening exterior wall (412, 414). When the adaptive end 432 is inserted properly into the tether well 434 and the firearm safety and theft deterrent device is installed, closed and locked, the tether 430 may be attached to an exterior structure, device, object or secured in a more or less permanent location such that the firearm may not be moved from the location in which it has been placed by the authorized user.

Turning now to FIG. 5, this diagram is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500 itself is seen in an unlocked and open configuration. The two separate sides of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500, the fixed exterior wall 502 and the opening exterior wall 504, are each seen in this open configuration as containing structural elements that will fit together to form a safe enclosure. The forward indexing feature 506 and the rear indexing feature 508 are formed and seamlessly embedded in the fixed exterior wall 502 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500. The top edge of the fixed exterior wall 510 and the top edge of the opening exterior wall 512 are each beveled to conform to the geometry of the frame of the firearm to which the device is attached. The engagement element 514 is securely attached to the fixed exterior wall 502 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500 through the use of a properly sized nut 516 that is screwed on to the threads of the engagement element 514. The engagement element 514 may have a spring-loaded tongue 518 that is held in place by a latch 520 that catches the tongue 518 as it moves past the latch 520 when the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500 is closed, forming a locked position. In an alternative embodiment, the tongue 518 may not be spring-loaded, but may be a simple mechanical tongue 518 that is beveled to push past the latch 520 as the device is closed and is then held in place by the latch 520. In either embodiment, the opening exterior wall 504 of the device may have a latching well 524 into which the end of the engagement element 514 may fit to provide the space required for the tongue 518 of the engagement element 514 to move past the latch 520 to place the sides into a locked configuration.

In an embodiment, firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500 may have one or more cushioning bodies 522. The cushioning bodies 522 may be placed in a position to securely contact the trigger guard (not shown) of a firearm. The cushioning bodies 522 prevent damage to the trigger guard of a firearm while assisting to produce a secure fit of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 500 on the firearm.

Turning now to FIG. 6, this is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device with an associated tether consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 600 is presented in an open configuration to illustrate the association of a tether 602 with the device. The tether 602 may be any commercially available or custom made tether with a proximate end 604 that is machined or manufactured to securely fit within a tether well 606 formed in the interior of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 600.

In this embodiment, the back portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 600 may be machined or manufactured with a scalloped finger contour 608. The scalloped finger contour 608 is of the appropriate dimension to permit an average user of the firearm to place a finger into the space created between the scalloped rear edge of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 600 and the handgrip of the firearm.

Turning now to FIG. 7, this is a view of the interior of an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device with an attached tether consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, firearm safety and theft deterrent device 700 may have an attached tether 701 by inserting an adaptive end 702 into a tether well (not shown) and closing the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 700 onto a firearm. The attached tether 701 is now available for the user to secure to a structure or in a position such that the tethered firearm may not be physically moved further than the length of the tether 701 from the location set by the user. In an alternative embodiment, an owner or user may first secure the tether 701 to a more or less permanent location or structure and insert the adaptive end 702 into the tether well (not shown) of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 700 to restrict movement of the firearm from a given location, or remove the adaptive end 702 from the tether well (not shown) of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 700 to permit the relocation or removal of the firearm without having to relocate the tether.

Turning now to FIG. 8, this is a view of a firearm with an open firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, a firearm 800 is presented with the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 802 in contact with the trigger guard 804 of the firearm 800. The engagement element 806 is inserted in front of the trigger (not shown) and passes through the entire width of the trigger guard 804 with sufficient length to permit the tongue to securely contact and attach to the latch 808 as the opening side of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 802 swings upward on the hinged portion of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 802 to a closed position. In the closed position, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 802 is securely fastened shut around the trigger guard 804 and in contact with the trigger guard 804 such that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 802 is unable to move which would prevent use of the firearm while attached and locked to the firearm.

Turning now to FIG. 9, this is a view of a firearm with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm, closed and locked consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 900 is presented from a front profile view in a closed and locked position with respect to the firearm 902 to which it is attached. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 900 has substantially similar dimension for width as the firearm 902. This low profile provides a better conformance factor with the firearm 902, presenting very little change to the front profile of the firearm 902 itself while still providing a secure deterrent against unauthorized use of the firearm 902 while the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 900 is attached.

Turning now to FIG. 10, this is a view of a firearm with a firearm safety and theft deterrent device, positioned on the firearm and closed and locked consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, a firearm 1000 is presented with a side view of the engagement element 1002 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004. In this exemplary embodiment, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 is securely fastened on the trigger guard 1006. The front edge 1008 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 is manufactured such that it does not extend to the front edge of the trigger guard 1006. This permits a user to continue to attach additional components to the bottom portion of the frame under the barrel without interference from the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004.

In this exemplary embodiment, the rear edge of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 may have a scalloped finger contour 1010 that lifts the rear edge of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 out of the way of the finger indentations of the firearm grip 1012. In this configuration, the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 does not interfere with a user's grip on the handle of the firearm. The scalloped finger contour 1010 permits a user to securely grip the firearm 1000 with one hand, manipulate the engagement element 1002 of the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004, and unlock and remove the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 while maintaining a secure grip on the firearm 1000. In this fashion, the user of the firearm 1000 may be reasonably assured that his grip on the firearm 1000 will not be compromised while the firearm safety and theft deterrent device 1004 is attached to, or removed from, the firearm 1000.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations, and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. 

1. A firearm accessory device, comprising: a first side and a second side attached at a hinge; indexing features to position the device to encircle the exterior of the trigger guard and the trigger portion of a firearm; at least front, back, and top indexing features operative to position the device in secure contact against the frame of the firearm at the trigger guard position of the firearm; the top portion of the first side and the second side having a shape that conforms to the frame of the firearm; an engagement element attached to said first side and an engagement element receiving portion attached to said second side; where said engagement element is inserted in front of a trigger portion of the firearm and into said engagement element receiving portion to secure attachment of the first side to the second side; and where the engagement element prevents access to the trigger portion of the firearm when the engagement element is securely attached to said engagement element receiving portion.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a scalloped finger contour at the portion of the device that is closest to a handgrip of the firearm.
 3. The device of claim 1, where the hinge forms a portion of the bottom edge of the firearm accessory device when attached to said firearm.
 4. The device of claim 3, where the hinge is configured to permit the two sides of the firearm accessory device to open and close through the use of the hinge portion as the pivot point.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tether well.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a detachable tether for insertion into the tether well such that when the device is closed and locked the tether is securely retained within the device.
 7. The device of claim 1, where the front indexing feature is in contact with the front portion of the trigger guard of a firearm when the device is attached to said firearm.
 8. The device of claim 1, where the back indexing feature is in contact with the rear portion of the trigger guard of a firearm when the device is attached to said firearm.
 9. The device of claim 1, where the device geometry presents a low profile in relation to the firearm.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an engagement element having a release element to open the device and permit the device to be removed from the trigger portion of said firearm. 